The man behind the Artistic smile complete novel free to read Wattpad

My life was simple and happy until my cousin moved in.

My parents gradually came to treat her more like their own daughter than they did me. Meanwhile, my best friend admired her as if she were some kind of superstar. Even worse, my boyfriend would blush every time he caught a glimpse of her, treating her as if she were the girl of his dreams.

With just a sweet smile, she could easily take everything from me.

Later, I found out that in this world, she was known as the "center of attention."

1.

I didn't receive any gifts for my twentieth birthday.

When I returned home from shopping, hoping for a surprise. However, I wasn't greeted by the usual balloons, flowers and cake. which my family would always prepared every year.

Instead, I found them gathered around a stranger, chatting attentively.

The girl standing at the center turned around at the sound of the door opening. As she saw me, she gave a sweet smile to show her friendliness.

"Stephanie? Hi, do you remember me? I'm your Cousin, Claire."

"Crash—"

A cup shattered on the floor, its pieces scattering everywhere.

Claire stood still, and as a result, a shard of ceramic cut her bare ankle.

I sighed; she played her same old trick again.

Clothes getting cut, falling down stairs or fainting on flat ground—this was the thirteenth incident happened on her this month.

"Claire! Are you fine? Oh dear, what happened?"

Mom rushed over at the sound, panicking even more when she saw the broken pieces and Claire's bleeding ankle. She hurried to fetch the first aid kit.

"Stephanie! What's wrong with you? Can't you just be cautious with the cup?"

While carefully taking care of Claire's wound, Mom scolded me without even asking about the cause.

Even without being aware of the details, whenever Claire and I were both there, she would always put the blame on me.

"Claire dropped the cup herself. I was just passing by. It's not my fault."

I tried to explain, even knowing it was futile.

"So you mean Claire dropped the club herself?"

As expected, she continued with frown. "Then why didn't you help Claire with the cup? Don't you know she's tired? Stephanie! How could you be so selfish? Forget what I've taught you?"

I took a deep breath to suppress my fury, "Mom, I'm exhausted as well. Why is it me who has to do that? Besides, she's been resting at home all day long. How could she be tired? Can't you be a bit more reasonable?"

"Don't stir the pot, alright? I have always been reasonable! Stephanie, can't you just behave yourself?"

Mom glowered at me. "How did you become so heartless? You didn't even show the slightest bit of sympathy when she got injured."

I was shocked. "Mom! Listen to yourself! Are you serious???"

"You know, Claire is struggling with health issue, easily got tired. Since she's living with you, shouldn't you take care of her?"

Claire coughed weakly, and Mom quickly crouched down to comfort her with concern.